The Malins group develops synthetic tools for small molecule, peptide and protein synthesis, including for applications in chemical biology and drug discovery.

  Division

About

Our research lies at the interface of organic chemistry and chemical biology. We aim to develop versatile new synthetic tools for small molecule synthesis, protein bioconjugation, and the design of peptide-based therapeutics. By expanding the toolbox of practical methods and reagents for the direct modification of complex biomolecules, we seek to understand their role in mediating biological processes as well as enhance their therapeutic potential.

Our group website.

Projects

This project will explore additional opportunities for the efficient electrochemical modification of peptides, including through the use of novel “electrochemically-active” amino acids.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

Theme

Catalysis, Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development, Organic chemistry

This project will explore designer bicyclobutanes and the strained molecule “propellane” in alkylation, radical addition and cycloaddition chemistry, including for the modification of peptides and bioactive small molecules.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

Theme

Organic chemistry

The Malins group is interested in several anti-cancer, antimalarial, and antibiotic peptides. 2023-2024 projects in this space will involve the chemical synthesis, structural modification, and biological evaluation of peptide leads as next-generation therapies.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

Theme

Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development, Organic chemistry

Members

Leader

Professor
Westpac Research Fellow

Researcher

No photo provided

Postdoctoral Fellow

No photo provided

Senior Research Fellow

No photo provided

Postdoctoral Fellow

Student

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

Honours Student

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

Honours Student

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

No photo provided

PhD Candidate

News

Dr Malins will receive $811,000 to support her research & development of new antibiotic drug leads to help overcome antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Read the article

Fighting antibiotic resistance takes guts. Dr Lara Malins discusses her research into antibiotic resistance.

Read the article

The Australian Academy of Science has notified the winners of the J G Russell Award, which seeks to support talented early career researchers in the physical and biological sciences. Funded through the generosity of the late Miss J Russell, the award provides top-up funding for research expenses, including equipment and travel costs, for selected Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) recipients each year.

Read the article